PREECEVILLE — Kenton Hull of Preeceville has a unique talent of creating chainsaw animals, creatures and has evolved over the past 8 years to include life-like Sasquatches and elk figures and large bear carvings.
The most creative, and challenging of all his creations was a lost angel wood carving that will be placed at Keeseekoose First Nation band office in memory of all the lives lost in unmarked graves of residential schools. “It was a very physical and mental project for me with a lot of care to details and mentally knowing what it would stand for. I was very honoured to be able to create a beautiful piece of art that will be showcased for years to come,” said Hull.
Hull's passion for began at an early age with sketching drawings onto paper.
"I picked up the art of using a chainsaw to carve and create animals out of wood eight years ago," said Hull.
"My first attempt was a bear that looked ok but definitely showed me that I needed to make some adjustments," he said.
Hull uses spruce logs that are cut into 20-inch diameter size. He uses spruce trees that have already fallen, which helps to recycle the trees. He uses a design pattern for the first cut then switches to freehand carving, shaping and etching making his creation come to life. It takes Hull approximately eight hours from start to finish for a project. He has since upgraded tools and different types of wood to create bigger custom requests.
Hull uses special small tips on the chainsaw with everything being all the features being created by Hull except the eyes for the animals which he orders online. Each project is painted or stained and oiled to help preserve the project.
"I find the time I spend creating projects very relaxing and the way the projects turn out make me feel very proud of a job well done," he said. "Now with my big shop I can spend more time in the winter months creating my art," he said.
Throughout his eight years he has created bears, owls and picnic tables. He has also done custom projects for community individuals.
“I have expanded into many more projects, taking on larger items that require more time and definitely a steady hand. The more I create projects each with different difficulties I build more confidence in my work. It has been a learning process but I love creating and sharing my art with everyone,” he said.
